Can we all agree that 2024 went by way too fast? 2025 is now rounding the bend, whether we’re ready for it or not. Have you settled on your New Year’s resolution yet?

If you have yet to zero in on your resolution and you’re looking for something a little more creative than “get to the gym to burn off all those calories from cookies and pie,” we’ve got your back. Here are 8 New Year’s resolutions, specifically tailored to hard-working attorneys like you!

Update your wardrobe or office. New year, new you! Refresh your closet with tailored, confidence-boosting attire perfect for the office or courtroom. If you’re already feeling stylish and savvy on that front, then turn your attention to your office. Maybe you’re in need of a paint job or new, ergonomic chairs. Or perhaps your tech needs an update to keep your workflow streamlined. Ensure you make a good first impression when your clients step through the door!

Attend a conference or an institute. If you’ve never been, this is your sign to go! Attending an in-person event is a wonderful way to expand your network and stay on top of the latest legal news. PBA has a number of meetings and events each year, including a February trip to Barbados for the PBA Midyear Meeting. If you’d rather stay closer to home and score some compliance credits, PBI hosts in-person institutes across Pennsylvania to help you do just that. Check out what’s coming up here.

Publish an article. Why not share a little bit of your expertise in the new year? There are plenty of opportunities get your knowledge published in a legal journal or bar association news. You could even take the bull by the horns and start your own blog or podcast. Just make sure you’re not sharing any confidential details that your clients wouldn’t want you to!

Run for a bar association position. Maybe this is the year you step into leadership! Consider serving on a committee or running for a position in your local or state bar, if the opportunity arises. Make 2025 a year for major growth!

Become a mentor. This is an excellent way to give back to the profession. You can make a real difference in a law student or young attorney’s life with your guidance. If this sounds like something you’re interested in, submit a mentorship application here.

Travel to a new country. Sometimes, you’ve got to give yourself permission to get away from it all. Plan a stress-free vacation to recharge and revitalize. Or better yet, check a new destination off your bucket list! Embrace a new culture and make new memories while leaving work at the office. You deserve it.

Host a CLE webcast. Did you know PBI is always looking for new sponsors and faculty? We offer over 200 live webcasts a year and you could be the star of the next one! By partnering with us, you can gain exposure to over 65,000 attorneys across Pennsylvania and beyond, reached through our targeted marketing efforts. It’s a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to gain exposure to a dedicated audience of legal professionals while also making a meaningful impact in the field of continuing legal education. Shoot an email to [email protected] if that sounds like something you would be interested in!

Master a new skill. There are all sorts of emerging fields in the legal world. Broaden your expertise by delving into topics such as AI law or cybersecurity. Or you could aspire to master something outside the law, but still beneficial to lawyers everywhere, such as work-life balance or stress management. Take a class that will enhance your personal development, whether that’s inside or outside of the courtroom.

Or make it a fun, new hobby! Make 2025 the year you finally sign up for that cooking class or purchase that camera to give photography a shot. Don’t leave it on the backburner any longer. After all, new experiences make our lives richer.

None of these float your boat? Then check out last year’s blog full of resolution ideas for 2024!

Our last winter survival guide was quite popular, so we’re back with seven more tips to get you through the cold, dark days ahead! After all, the shorter days of winter can wreak havoc on your mental health and bring about what is known as SAD: Seasonal Affective Disorder. These “winter doldrums” are very real and can cause symptoms of depression.

When you work in the legal world, it’s vital to stay on top of your mental health. Let’s delve into how you can conquer the winter blues together—and don’t forget to check out our first winter survival guide for even more great tips!

Hibernate. Okay, not literally since we’re not bears, but be sure to get quality sleep on these chilly nights. Break out those cozy comforters and heated blankets! Humans are built to rise and fall with the sun. Once it gets dark out, we start producing melatonin to help us fall asleep, which makes it difficult to rally and get things done after the sun disappears. Don’t try to fight basic biology; it’s natural to need a little bit more sleep during the winter, and it will keep your immune system strong. Treat yourself to a little hibernation during the colder months!

However! Don’t sleep too much or you might find yourself even more tired. Try to keep it under ten hours and find exactly how much sleep leaves you feeling energized and refreshed!

Moisturize. The cold, dry air of winter can be rough on your skin. A humidifier is a great option to add moisture to the air in your home. Update your skin routine to match the season as well. After each shower or bath, use your favorite lotion before drying off to lock in moisture. Exfoliating once a week will help remove dead, flaky skin and allow you to better absorb moisture. We all have different skin types, so experiment to find out what products work best for you! Remember to drink plenty of water because hydration is key, and don’t forget ChapStick!

Stay connected. It’s easy for our social lives to thrive in warm weather, but don’t isolate yourself from your friends just because the weather turned cold. Technology keeps us more connected than ever. Take advantage of this fact because staying in touch with your loved ones will make these dark days brighter. Ask friends and family members how they’re doing. If it’s too cold to get outside, invite everyone over for a nice dinner, movie night, or board game night…or don’t even invite them over! Go on a virtual adventure from your couch with a multiplayer video game or play online party games such as Broken Picturephone or Jackbox Games. Commiserate over voice chat as you do. Winter is the perfect time for indoor game nights.

Enjoy comfort food. This is the season for hot chocolate, hearty stews, sizzling pans of mac n’ cheese, and of course, your favorite freshly baked pies and cookies. Comfort food might not always be the healthiest option, but it’s called comfort food for a reason. If it makes you happy, it’s doing you some good. And if you happen to pack on a few extra pounds over the holidays, no biggie—that’s what cozy oversized sweaters are for.

However, don’t forget to eat lots of fruits and veggies, too. Their vitamins will help keep your spirits and energy up!

Shake it up. Try new things! New experiences are a great way to pass the time and lift your spirits. Use this time to check something off your bucket list or try a new hobby such as a winter sport or an indoor class. Or you could explore your local area for hidden gems. Check out that restaurant or museum you always pass on your way to work. Make it a goal of yours to sample new foods and leave an online review describing your experience. If you shake things up, you’ll find yourself remembering this past winter more fondly.

Practice manifesting. Wait, what? Shouldn’t that say “gratitude,” with how often gratitude is mentioned on this blog? Well, I’m shaking it up, just like I suggested. While gratitude focuses on the past and present, manifesting is all about looking towards the future and reflecting on what you hope to get out of it. It includes setting goals, visualizing your success, and training your mind to focus on the positive (not unlike practicing gratitude). A quiet, snowy landscape is the perfect place to practice manifesting.

Get away from it all. You tried getting extra sleep. You’re making sure to get sunlight on your face. You’re moisturizing. And yet, you still can’t defeat the winter blues. What then? If you have the vacation time…just leave! Head somewhere warm and become the envy of all your coworkers. Live it up on a cruise or at a resort. Late January or early February is the perfect time to slide in a vacation and escape the dead of winter. Just make sure you unplug and enjoy your vacation to the fullest.

Enjoy these next few months and stay warm! And if you still need credits for December compliance, know that PBI has your back with a plethora of on-demand offerings and upcoming live webcasts. Check them out here!

Who’s ready for Thanksgiving? I know I am. Before we dive into a sea of gravy and mashed potatoes, it might do a little good to take some time to reflect. A couple weeks back, we touched on how practicing gratitude can help you achieve peace and promised to share more on the topic before Thanksgiving. Well, here it is! Read on to find out the many different ways you can practice gratitude to bolster a more positive outlook on life and ultimately improve your mental health.

It must be said–we at PBI are incredibly thankful for you! Thank you for enjoying our CLE and taking the time to read this blog. Have a warm, safe holiday, and be sure to eat plenty of food!

Start a journal. One of the most popular methods of practicing gratitude is having a gratitude journal. Put aside a little bit of time each day, perhaps before you drift off to sleep, to ponder three things that made you happy that day. Big or small; anything that made you smile. You could also write about what you are grateful for in the grander scheme of things. There are no rules. Make an effort to add journaling to your routine and you will find yourself feeling happier in the long run. Before you know it, you have a book of warm memories and simple joys to look back on.

If writing is not your style, try making a “vision board” instead. Fill it with inspiring quotes, images, and reminders that will help you stay appreciative of each day.

Create a gratitude jar. The new year isn’t too far off and if you’re looking for a new resolution to try out, here’s an idea. Instead of writing what you’re thankful for into a journal, write these special moments down on little scraps of paper to put into a jar. Watch the jar grow fuller as the year goes by. Then, at the end of the year, pop open the jar and soak in all the good things that happened to you throughout the year. This is a wonderful exercise to do with the whole family. Or, if you find yourself faced with a particularly challenging day, feel free to sift through the jar for a bit of comfort and nostalgia.

Take reflective walks. It’s time to head outside for a brief digital detox! Put aside the phone and your earbuds to truly immerse yourself in nature and take in the world around you. During your walk, take time to meditate on what you are grateful for and what challenges you have overcome during your life. Pay special attention to what you see, hear, and feel during this walk. Revel in the warmth of the sun or the pitter-patter of rain on your umbrella. Admire the seasonal decorations on your neighbor’s porch. Listen to the birds and note the many different kind of flowers you may stumble across. Their beauty is brief; they won’t be here forever, but their memory can last a lifetime. Enjoy every moment.

Express gratitude. A simple word of thanks can go a long way with others. It’s a great little habit to foster positivity and form mutual respect. If you’d like to go the extra mile, get some fun post-its and write thank-you notes for your loved ones. Or if that’s not your style, keep it to a simple text message. We don’t tell our loved ones often enough what they mean to us. If you take the time to express your gratitude, you might find yourself receiving it back, which is a wonderful feeling.

Volunteer. Nothing feels better than giving back to your community or donating to a cause you believe in. Working with the needy also serves a reminder of how little some people have, what is truly important in life, and everything you have to be thankful for. The holidays are the perfect time to give back and experience fulfillment from these acts of kindness.

The PBA has plenty of volunteer opportunities in which you can share your legal expertise with young people or assist your neighbors in need. Learn more here!

Happy Thanksgiving from PBI!

PBI’s 2024 Real Estate Institute is just around the corner! Get ready to gather in Philadelphia and catch up on the year’s most significant case law, current legislation, practice fundamentals, trends, and strategies on Friday, December 6. A host of topics will be covered including risk management, title insurance, ethics, and (you guessed it) artificial intelligence.

As promised, we’re going to tackle how artificial intelligence is affecting various sectors connected to law practices. Let’s delve into the relationship between AI and real estate together.

Property Valuation. AI is transforming how properties are viewed, bought, sold, and valued, helping to streamline the real estate process with every advancement made. You might notice upon visiting a website such as Zillow that there are property value estimates for each home. This is thanks to AI-powered Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) that use data, recent sales, and neighborhood characteristics to generate quick, reliable estimates. This reduces the need for time-consuming manual appraisals. AI can also assess market trends and economic factors for an even more accurate estimate.

The Buying Process. AI has also simplified and personalized the buying process, making it easier to find homes according to your preferences and budget. AI chatbots are on standby to answer basic questions and assist in scheduling tours. Or you can tour homes from anywhere with a virtual, augmented reality tour! You can click through the house and move around as if you were there walking around in person.

Money makes the world go ’round, which is why AI has been utilized to create a smoother buying and selling process in all things.

Legal Considerations. What’s one way all of this can affect lawyers? One issue that many have with AI is the way it learns. It relies on a massive amount of personal and behavioral data to back up its research and predictions. Since this technology is so young, many don’t secure the necessary permissions for what it’s using for its education. This raises concerns about data privacy and security–another important topic for attorneys. In fact, this Friday is PBI’s Data Privacy Update, which will highlight the transformative influence of AI on privacy regulations. With AI evolving every passing day, we need to keep up the conversation to truly understand its influence.

There’s also the question of fairness in AI decision-making. AI bias can sometimes lead to distorted results or reinforce harmful biases that impact how properties are valued. Like the humans it learns from, AI is not perfect.

The Future of AI and Real Estate. The landscape of real estate has always been ever shifting, but now more so than ever. Ultra-personalized buyer experiences are merely one facet of this artificial diamond. AI also plays more and more of a role in market forecasting, city planning, digital property, and more…but never forget that it’s not without its flaws. It’s crucial that attorneys stay abreast of the many updates and advancements being made in their field. Luckily, that’s just what PBI is here to do with timely CLE on the hottest issues around! Check out what’s coming up here and ensure you never miss a compliance deadline.

Keep an eye out for more AI-centered articles on Raising the Bar in the future!

As we leave behind a contentious election and head into the hectic holiday season, the idea of finding your peace might feel more impossible than ever–especially for a busy lawyer such as yourself (who may or may not have December compliance looming ahead). That’s not going to stop us from sharing a bit of advice, though. Cultivating your inner peace is a surefire way to improve your mental health and live a happier, healthier life. Here are six strategies to help you find your peace.

And as always, PBI is here to help your compliance be stress-free. We’ll be bringing you all sorts of options for live and on-demand courses throughout the next two months so that you can check December compliance off your list early. Check out what’s coming up here!

Be present. Sometimes, it’s really hard to live in the moment. You might be dwelling on the past, thinking ahead to the future’s lengthy to-do list, or simply lost in the digital depths of your phone. This present moment is where life is taking place. Let go of the past (which cannot be changed), the future (which cannot be predicted), and put down your phone to look at the world around you.

Learning to be more present will create stronger memories for you to look back on. It also drives home the fact that our time is precious. Don’t let the consumption of media completely overtake your life. Be present in the important moments, and even the little moments that don’t seem to carry so much weight. You will feel better for it.

Commit to yourself. We make a lot of promises to ourselves that we don’t always follow through on. “I’m going to eat better…I’m going to get that task done…I’m going to spend less time staring at my phone…” As always, easier said than done. Humans come well-equipped with excuses that prevent us from achieving every single one of our goals. “I’ll start eating better come tomorrow…I’m too tired to do that task today…my phone makes me happy so I’ll just keep scrolling…” It’s too easy to dump everything on your future self, but the fact is, your future self is not going to be much different from your current self, and will continue to keep putting off self-improvement.

Take accountability for all versions of yourself. The more times you break these promises, the easier it gets to do so. It weakens your will. You will feel so much better for following through on these commitments. Not only is it an investment of self-improvement, but you will grow a stronger will and learn to trust yourself.

Embrace contentment. People are obsessed with the idea of chasing happiness, but happiness should not be the goal. Most days are ordinary. Happiness is never a constant and arrives for short periods of time, as anger and sadness do. If you’re in the constant pursuit of happiness, you may find yourself disappointed and always wanting more. Reframe your goal and set your sights on embracing contentment. To be content with what you have, with living in each moment. Happiness is wonderful, but temporary. Coming to understand this will aid you in finding that inner peace.

One shining rule in pursuing contentment is to never compare yourself to others. Focus on your own life, value what you have, and know that everyone is fighting their own battle, no matter how it looks from the outside. Never use others’ lives to judge the value of your own.

Be kind. From a young age, we’re told to be kind, that it takes very little effort…and yet, we all too easily seem to forget that. Each day, you should set an intention to treat others with respect, kindness, and patience, because you have no idea what challenges those around you are facing. Think of your loved ones and treat strangers with the same kindness you’d hope to see your loved ones receive from others.

Remember that the one thing no one can take away from you is your character. At the end of the day, people might forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.

Practice gratitude. Our minds tend to focus on the negative. We covet what we don’t have. We dream of what could make our lives better, easier. What if we put that energy towards being appreciative instead? Take time to reflect on how far you’ve come or what circumstances have improved in your life. Learn to appreciate the little things like the sun on your face, the joyful song of a robin, or the act of a friend reaching out with something that reminded them of you. Don’t take the little things for granted. Taking time to practice gratitude can completely shift your outlook on life.

As we approach Thanksgiving, keep an eye out for a future blog post on the many different ways you can practice gratitude in your life.

Focus on what you can control. As we mentioned before in this blog about mindfulness, not everything is within your control and the sooner you accept that, the more at peace you will be. Let the things you cannot control drift away like leaves down a stream. Worrying about them will only stress you out. There is nothing to be gained from this. Spend your energy on what you can control instead.

All of these methods can serve you in achieving inner peace. All it takes is training your mindset and forming good habits. And if you ever do find things getting to be too much for you in this stressful profession, help is always available.

We at PBI wish you a peaceful rest of 2024 and a stress-free compliance period!

In a world where artificial intelligence is increasingly woven into everyday life, distinguishing between human-generated content and AI-driven creations can be a tricky task. From chatbots and virtual assistants to deepfake videos and automated news articles, AI is shaping how we consume information and interact with technology. Whether you’re a professional navigating AI-powered tools in the workplace or just a curious consumer, understanding how to spot AI can help you make more informed decisions. This guide will equip you with the key indicators to look for when identifying AI content and provide tips for staying one step ahead in the digital landscape.

Remember how last year we posted a blog that was entirely written by AI? Yep…AI just wrote that introductory paragraph. It’s a little scary how far technology has come, isn’t it? At a single glance, you can easily be fooled by an AI-generated deepfake, but with a little observation and critical thinking, you can learn AI’s patterns and shortcomings so that you’ll be able to more easily identify what is artificial and what is created by a human being. Not such a bad skill to have in today’s chaotic world!

And if this subject interests you, keep an eye out for future blog posts all about AI!

Spotting Deepfakes. The very idea of false images can be quite unnerving. Imagine someone trying to use one in a court case and it slips under the radar! AI-generated art is also viewed unfavorably within creative communities because takes away jobs from real artists. So how do you distinguish a real from a fake? As they say, the devil’s in the details, and that’s where AI struggles the most. Specifically, hands, skin texture, and facial features (especially teeth) can wind up looking distorted. The background could also be warped or the lighting unrealistic.

Here’s a recent example of a two deepfakes that went viral: a little girl, a victim of Hurricane Helene, clutching a puppy on a boat. Look closely. In one picture, she appears to be missing a finger, while in the second picture, she has grown an extra one. Her skin looks a little bit too smooth while her expression is so exaggerated it borderlines cartoonish. And if you compare the two pictures against each other, you’ll notice that the color of the puppy and the boat changes.

AI’s shortcomings with imagery are further emphasized in video. It struggles with natural human movement, changing expressions, moving colors or shadows, and more. However, AI is learning all the time and there may come a day when it’s able to perfect its weaknesses. Until then, approach dramatic, viral images with a critical eye for detail.

Uncovering AI-written content. This one might be a bit trickier as AI grows more complex with each passing day. AI lacks nuance so it will often fail to grab the larger context of what it’s writing. It has the tendency to get wordy, repeat the same information, or reuse the same sentence structures without worrying too much about how it will flow. As I pointed out last time, it has lots to say with little substance.

It also doesn’t always get its facts right, either. Look no further than the time Google AI suggested putting glue in pizza or eating one small rock per day for digestive health. Delicious. (AI will never replicate my sense of humor, either).

Detecting AI-generated voices. That’s right: AI even has the capabilities to learn voice mimicry. Sometimes it’s used innocently, like posting a video of a popular character singing a silly song. Other times, it’s downright frightening, as there have been reports of people using AI’s voice-cloning technology to learn the voices of our loved ones and use them in a scam to steal money. If you ever find yourself on the receiving end of this scam, take a moment to breathe and really listen. AI voices have difficulty with emotion and the pronunciation of more uncommon words. They might also have unnatural pauses. The perpetrators in these scams only use a small sample of AI because they know too much might give away that this isn’t a real person.

As always, listen to your gut if something strikes you as strange or unnatural! All of this is why it’s more important than ever for lawyers and lawmakers to stay on top of this fast-changing technology.

Hey ChatGPT…did I miss anything? Let’s ask AI directly if it has any other advice for us:

“For spotting AI-generated text, specific tools or software can help detect AI-written content. Resources like plagiarism checkers that include AI detection capabilities would be helpful.”

Thanks for the tip! If you’re interested in such a thing, ChatGPT recommends GPTZero, which is specifically designed to detect AI-generated text, including its own content. It pays special attention to patterns, perplexity, and variance in sentence length; something humans have higher amounts of.

I’ll leave you with this conclusion written by ChatGPT, which is certainly different from the usual tone and cadence of Raising the Bar. With the help of this blog, hopefully you can continue to hone your skills in identifying what’s “real” and what’s “artificial!”

“As artificial intelligence continues to advance and seamlessly integrate into our daily lives, the ability to recognize AI-generated content is becoming a vital skill. From discerning fake images and videos to spotting AI-written text and cloned voices, staying informed helps us navigate an evolving landscape where the line between human and machine is becoming ever more blurred. Remember, even as AI grows more sophisticated, it still has limitations that give it away—whether in distorted details, unnatural phrasing, or awkward voice inflections. By sharpening our observational skills and utilizing available detection tools, we can better safeguard against misinformation and protect ourselves from AI-based scams. Stay vigilant, stay curious, and continue learning about AI’s impact to stay one step ahead in this rapidly changing digital world.”

It’s true: PBI sends a lot of emails–but how else will we keep you up to date on all of the top-quality courses coming your way?

However, some of you might have recently noticed a distinct lack of PBI emails and reached out about it. As it turns out, some supposedly helpful bots and email filters are not being so helpful when it comes to staying on top of your compliance. Here’s a quick read on why you should open PBI emails and how you can ensure our stress-free CLE always reaches you.

What is bot-filtering? Did you know bots make up more than half of total web traffic these days? Not to worry; most bots are doing you a service. For example, Google’s search engine bots scrape through websites in order to present you with the best results. Email bots take on the form of security, filtering out emails it deems suspicious into a spam folder or blocking them completely. Unfortunately, they don’t always get it right.

The importance of engagement. Emails can get booted to the spam folder for a myriad of reasons including improper authentication, deceptive subject lines, a low IP or domain reputation, or too many attachments. Of course, PBI has a solid reputation. We don’t engage in shady sales tactics and only send emails to those who have signed up to receive them.

The number one reason that PBI can end up in your spam folder is because of low engagement. If you bypass one too many of our emails, your filters will start to think of us as spam and start sending us there instead, causing you to miss out on upcoming webcasts, great deals, and more. In order to prevent this, all you need to do is take one second out of your day to click on a PBI email every so often! Then you’ll stay considered an “engaged” customer.

Another solution? Whitelist PBI! Whitelisting is the act of telling your system to always accept emails from specific senders. If you add [email protected] to your whitelist, we will never get marked as spam and always be able to deliver pertinent information straight to your inbox.

If you’re wondering how to access your whitelist in Gmail, Outlook, or another app, check out this helpful guide from Clean Email.

Aside from ensuring that you receive PBI emails, this is useful information to know in general. You never know what’s going on behind the scenes with AI anymore. Take control of your inbox with this knowledge!

In the past ten years, the words “cancel culture” might have reached your ears, particularly during the height of Covid-19 when it became somewhat of a pastime for some. But what exactly is cancel culture? Is it good or bad? And does it affect lawyers? It certainly does, but you might know it as defamation, libel, and slander. Let’s dive in deeper to what exactly cancel culture is and what it means for you.

Now let’s get into it!

What is cancel culture? Depending on who you ask, you might come away with a number of definitions to describe cancel culture. Some might view it favorably, describing it as a way to hold someone accountable for their unsavory past actions, sully their reputation, and put them on a sort of blacklist. Others will tell you it is a form of censorship and mob mentality that can destroy a person’s career.

At its core, “canceling” is the act of calling someone out (usually on social media) for offensive behavior and then proceeding to boycott them. For example, one might refuse to go see a movie that a problematic actor is in, or shop at a store that has differing political views. Anything can be cancelled: a person, a business, a brand. Social media has helped fuel the expansion of this so-called “culture” and it continues to be mired in controversy. If one thing is for certain, it has many facets.

What are the pros? Cancel culture is complex and has certainly done its share of good. It has brought important conversations, such as the #MeToo movement and Black Lives Matter, to the forefront and singled out public figures who have gotten away with too much for too long. Canceling is embraced as a form of accountability that can bring about social change. Calling out offensive content is a way to confront the issue, hold people to higher standards, and serve as a warning for others who engage in harmful actions. It can even bolster a movement to see someone face justice in those cases the justice system has failed.

For those everyday citizens who might be cancelled for something much less than a major crime, it can be viewed as a teaching moment, if done respectfully. It’s a chance for someone to learn from their mistakes and grow.

What are the cons? Unfortunately, canceling has gotten out of control and some take it too far as they chase the feeling of “delivering justice.” Misinformation on the internet is rampant and an individual or a business could easily be “canceled” by nothing more than a single lie or a quote taken out of context, ruining their livelihood. Some are calling for history to be erased to “cancel” people who died hundreds of years ago. Others view canceling as the solution to minor disagreements. They would rather form a like-minded mob and commence public humiliation or use cyberbullying tactics rather than hold a civil discussion. Mobs will often pile onto someone before they even have all the facts, peppering them with insults or even death threats. They may even assign traits or values to the victim that they do not possess, warping their character to fit their narrative. Such a thing can be hazardous to one’s mental health.

For some, cancel culture has become an unhealthy obsession. As soon as the spotlight shines on a new face, some people take it upon themselves to go digging through their online history for anything they can use against them. A stupid post they made in their youth suddenly turns into a weapon against them. However, people change and grow all the time. There’s also the matter of free speech. Is it okay for society to play the role of prosecutor, judge, and jury through the medium of social media?

How does cancel culture affect lawyers? With cancel culture running rampant, defamation lawyers might find themselves with a lot on their plate. A client might want to sue for defamation of their business and have a negative review taken down. Or maybe they need assistance in lessening the damages and crafting an apology. It is essential to gather all the facts and get ahead of the narrative. If a client continues to engage with those trying to cancel them, it could further land them in hot water. Even sincere apologies will often be torn apart and used as further fuel for the fire.

Sometimes, no action is necessary. Time could be the solution instead of a court case. People will grow bored and move onto the next debacle if you give them nothing new to latch onto. If you feel this situation doesn’t warrant a full-blown court case, advise your client there are other options, such waiting it out or sending a cease-and-desist to the person who created the original defamation post.

Don’t forget, you can learn more about defamation in tomorrow’s course!

How can it be improved? Cancel culture is not going away anytime soon and there is much that can be improved upon. “Think before you act” could not be more relevant here. People need to take time to gather the facts and understand context before jumping onto the cancel train. It would also be useful for everyone to analyze their own motivations for doing so and ask what will be gained through this course of action. Finally, throwing around hateful words is just fighting fire with fire. Building bridges will always get you farther than burning them, and that goes for many instances in life.

Technology has come a long way in the courtroom–particularly since 2020 when Covid-19 forced us into a virtual lifestyle. Attorneys, clients, and judges now have the option to “Zoom” in for hearings if they can’t be there physically. Top-notch cybersecurity is available to protect client data within the cloud. Paper materials are disappearing in favor of organized electronic files, keeping important information all in one place.

You might be aware that PBI recently made the jump to digital-only reading materials in order to maximize convenience and cut down on paper products. This includes the recently released 6th Edition of Pennsylvania Suggested Standard Civil Jury Instructions, filled with updates reflecting the latest appellate rulings and legislative changes. This comprehensive edition includes essential updates and revisions, covering areas such as fraud, motor vehicle accidents, malpractice actions, premises liability, and much more. It’s a must-have to ensure that your instructions are always aligned with current law.

Change is not always easy and there’s nothing quite like holding a good book in your hands, but there’s a reason more and more courtrooms are going digital. Read this blog to learn more on how this new format can save you time and streamline your workflow.

Instant Ownership. In the old days, you’d have to put in an order for a heavy law book, pay shipping fees, then wait patiently for your shipment to arrive. With e-books, the material is instantly in your hands after a quick purchase. Download the information to your device and now it can be accessed anytime, anywhere. If you’re in a pinch and need the materials right away, no need to fret. Technology has your back.

Portable. It’s safe to say the majority of us don’t go anywhere without our phones these days. These unassuming devices sitting in our pockets and purses contain an entire library of knowledge. They’re much easier to transport between your firm and the courtroom than a pile of heavy books. Your favorite device makes important editions more portable and accessible than ever.

In order to use digital materials, you’ll have to be in possession of a smooth-running laptop, phone, or tablet. Ensure your materials are pre-downloaded and your device of choice is charged before each case. Carry your charger or a portable battery with you for when it needs a little bit of juice.

Efficient. Digital format allows for easy reference when you need it. It allows you to organize and index all case-related documents at your preference. During trial preparation, you can easily review the material and make annotations, allowing you to stay organized and present your findings more effectively later on.

In the digital world, it’s also easier to stay on top of the latest in litigation. Developments are your fingertips so that your information is accurate and up to date.

Searchability. Need to find a specific spot in your Standard Civil Jury Instructions to quickly reference? Instead of loading up on bookmarks, you can simply use the search function (Ctrl+F) and instantly have what you need. PBI’s digital resources come in the form of a searchable PDF for a more user-friendly experience. Our jury instructions are also provided in RTF format for easy editing.

Secure. With the added power of technology, you can keep all of your files and research safe. Be sure to keep all of your devices password protected and utilize 2-Factor Authentication when you have the option. Finally, don’t forget to back up important documents, especially after making valuable edits because “stuff happens.” As much as we love technology, we all know how it can randomly turn on us at the most inconvenient moment.

Are you just starting to make a name for yourself in the legal world? Or have you been at this a while and wondering how long it will take for you to feel 100% at ease when you stroll into a courtroom? Can you crush those feelings of anxiety with pure, rock-solid confidence? After all, being an attorney in the fast-paced legal world requires a high level of self-confidence. Read on to learn more about how you can build rock-solid confidence to boost your feats in and out of the courtroom.

Dress for success. The very first step in building your confidence is one of the first tasks you’re faced with each morning: choosing what to wear. What we wear can have great influence over how we feel. It is also one of the first things people notice about you. In order to make the best first impression possible, you should take time to build a wardrobe that leaves you feeling good about yourself.

Choose well-fitting, professional clothing that is not too flashy or distracting since you are trying to be taken seriously. Opt for professionalism over personality. If you’re wondering what color suit or dress to choose, black is always a safe bet: it represents power, authority, and who doesn’t look good in black?

Arrive early. A lot of our anxiety stems from the unknown, and who needs the added stress of running late for an appointment? Make it your goal to arrive early whenever possible. This gives you time to familiarize yourself with your surroundings and get your things in order. Once you’re settled in and prepared, you might find some of that anxiety easing, and confidence taking its place. Remember, the more prepared you are, the less pressure you will feel when it’s time to present to the court.

Stand tall, speak boldly. Harbor an awareness for your posture and your tone of voice when speaking to the court. Keep your back straight and avoid letting your shoulders cave forward. Make eye contact with those you are addressing. Don’t speak too quietly or quickly and avoid long moments of hesitation. Your body language and manner of speaking tell others of your confidence or insecurity. Even if you don’t feel like the most confident person in the courtroom, you can certainly fake it ’til you make it.

One last tip: stay hydrated to avoid a dry mouth! If you’d like even more tips on how to be an awesome orator, check out this past blog post!

Repetition, repetition. Everyone likes to say that practice makes perfect. The idea of perfection is debatable, but it certainly rings true that repetition builds confidence. No two cases are the same, but standing before a judge time and time again will hone your skills and imbue you with more confidence. You might find yourself breathing a little bit easier with each new case.

Remember–we’re all human. The opposing counsel makes mistakes, too. The judge has his or her own worries nagging at the back of their mind. We’ve all been there, where we forget to attach a file to an email or accidentally miss a deadline, and through experience we know that it’s not the end of the world. Own up to your mistakes when they do happen and seek to correct them. Odds are, everyone will be understanding–because we’re all human and none of us are perfect.

Thrive in your emotions. Even as you build your confidence, the fear of failure might never truly leave, and that’s okay. If you get too comfortable, it means you’ve stopped growing as a professional. It also grants you humility. It’s dangerous to have an attitude in which you think you know everything. There is always more to learn; look no further than the PBI webcasts all about the latest hot topics and changing laws. CLE exists for a reason!

So, embrace the growing pains and thrive in the occasional anxiety–it might just keep you from making a mistake–but at the same time, don’t let it overwhelm you. Keep building that rock-solid confidence to outweigh the nerves and demonstrate to your peers that you’re one badass lawyer!

Ever since the pandemic, our work lives have been put under a microscope. People all over the country are determined to live their best lives and find a career they can thrive in. Conversations surrounding the workplace have become more and more prominent. The younger generations have especially been forthcoming with many details that were once private, boldly sharing their salaries or regaling tales of injustices faced while on the clock. One word we constantly hear is “toxic.” Voted Oxford Dictionary’s “Word of the Year” in 2018, this popular word has yet to lose its steam as toxic relationships are a forever part of an ongoing discussion–and this includes our relationships with our jobs.

Workers are prioritizing their mental health more than ever and keeping a sharp eye out for signs of a job that may have a negative effect on it. After all, you can tell a lot about what a workplace will be like solely based on the interview process. If you’re in the market of applying to a law firm, or you head up an excellent firm and want to be sure you’re making a good impression to prospective employees, read on about which signs scream, “This is a toxic workplace!”

High turnover. Do you constantly see jobs popping up from the same place? It could be a sign of growth…but it could also be a sign of high turnover. It’s extremely telling if a workplace is struggling to keep a department staffed for more than a year. If you fancy yourself an internet sleuth and want to dig a little deeper, LinkedIn might have information. Since people post their resumes and work history to this platform, you can see for yourself how long someone typically works in a certain job.

Transparency. The next time you are in an interview, ask why the previous person left the job you are applying to. If your interviewer hems and haws, and doesn’t provide a clear answer, approach with caution. Make sure to get your questions in about pay, PTO, work-life balance, potential for growth, your interviewer’s favorite part of their job, and anything else important to you. Pay close attention to whether you get a clear answer or they dodge the question.

If you’re in the position of interviewer, strive to be transparent and honest. After all, you should want to find a good fit for the role. The interview process is time-consuming; you don’t want to be doing it again a month from now after your new employee turned in their two-week notice because the job wasn’t what they expected.

Negativity. Keep an ear out for negative speak when visiting firms. Does the boss complain about clients or take shots at the employee who left this role? What’s the general attitude of the workers you pass by? Do they seem relaxed and friendly or glassy-eyed and unengaged?

Sometimes, you might need to read a little more into it. Positive statements could have a negative underbelly. For example, if you are promised ample opportunity to rise through the ranks…is this because the company is expanding and prioritizing growth? Or is it because overworked higher-ups are constantly heading through a revolving door to disembark for greener pastures?

“We’re like a family!” This popular phrase, perhaps once found to be comforting, has become a bright red flag to younger generations. It’s a sign that a workplace might try to push boundaries and place themselves at a higher level of priority in your life, equating them with your true family and forcing you to choose between them. Work-life balance is more important than ever and setting healthy boundaries is a major part of that.

If you’re interviewing prospective employees, resist from parroting this well-worn phrase. Instead, opt for “We have an excellent work culture here,” or “We have a great team who will always have your back.” And always respect that your employees have a life outside work, and you should not expect them to be checking their email at all hours of the night and day.

They pull the rug out from under you. Have you ever gotten to an interview only to find out the pay wasn’t what was advertised, or even the job you’re interviewing for has suddenly been changed up on you? Perhaps you learn they opted for an inside hire and suddenly you’re applying for a less prestigious role than promised. Or maybe the job description wasn’t entirely honest about certain aspects. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence, and you should take it at face value. If you get hoodwinked before you’ve even gotten the position, it’s a tell-tale sign of what working at this job would be like. Trust between an employer and employee is of utmost importance. Don’t hesitate to step away if you find yourself in this situation.

Rules for thee, not for me. As you leap through the many hoops of the interview process, pay attention to the standards you’re held to vs. your prospective job’s. Do they expect you to drop everything at their command? Do you struggle to receive communications from them? Does the boss show up 15 minutes late to their interview? All of this blatant disrespect for your time foretells what working for them will be like.

On the other side of the coin, prioritize communication when you’re in control of the interview process. Do whatever you can to keep your appointments. If you do happen to run late to an interview, be prepared with an apology and a reason as to why.

Glassdoor reviews. You can find reviews on anything these days! As you race to Glassdoor to check reviews on a certain company, keep in mind that people are more likely to review if they’ve had an extremely positive or negative experience with something. If your prospective job has a single negative review from an irate employee, take it with a grain of salt. However, if you spy a pattern of unhappy workers with similar details on their experiences, it might be time to run the other way.

A toxic workplace can wreak havoc on your mental health. It might not always be obvious right away. In fact, the thrill and relief of finding a new job might leave you feeling great. But as time passes, boundaries break, and burnout looms, you might find yourself becoming the boiled frog: a frog, once happy in a pot of water, who realizes too late that the heat is being turned up and up until he’s left boiling. Don’t become the boiled frog and continue to look for signs of a toxic workplace wherever your career path takes you!

Did you know that September is Self-Care Awareness Month? As a lawyer, you may find yourself often putting your client’s needs, the needs of the firm, or others’ needs above your own. You work long hours to get the job done, despite the threat of burnout. However, if you are constantly filling up everyone else’s cup, you might one day find yours dry and empty. That’s why it’s so important you take time for self-care.

When you think of self-care, you might imagine a luxurious day at the spa, complete with a massage, but boosting our mental health comes in many forms. If you take a little time for self-care each day, you’ll find yourself feeling much better for it. Here are several, simple ways you can self-care without breaking the bank.

Use those vacation days. Inconceivable! Even so…use ’em or lose ’em and they would serve you better if you used them! Stepping away from your busy career every so often can help you reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and potential for burnout. On the flip side, it will increase your energy, resilience, and overall happiness. Taking breaks is of utmost importance if you truly want to embrace self-care. Don’t shy away from using those vacation, personal, or sick days if you need them.

If you’d like to learn more about how to vacation like a pro and not an overworked lawyer, check out this past blog post.

Be your own cheerleader. When you hold yourself to high standards and fall short of them, you might internally admonish yourself for it. If you’re constantly thinking phrases such as “I’m not good enough,” or “I’m such a screw-up,” it’s time to turn that around. If your critical internal monologue was a stranger, would you let them talk to you that way? Or would you ever say these words to a beloved friend or family member? Absolutely not. Speak to yourself as you would another loved one and be your own cheerleader. If you ever feel toxic thoughts starting to seep in, catch yourself and stop them in their tracks. Instead of dragging yourself down with negativity or laser-focusing on your mistakes, reflect on the positive. A positive mindset will not only lift up your mental health, but also those you surround yourself with.

Keep in touch with friends. Humans are social creatures. We naturally feel better by staying connected with our friends, family, and community. Unfortunately, a social life is the first thing to fall by the wayside when we get ultra-busy. Set the intention to put some time aside each week to spend time (or at the very least check in) with your friends. Everybody has different social needs. Understanding what yours are can aid you in fulfilling them.

Care for your body. Your mind and your body are closely connected; good choices for your physical being will positively affect your mental health. This means be sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and take time to exercise. Don’t skip those yearly physicals or dentist appointments, either. If your physical health has fallen by the wayside because of your busy schedule, don’t be intimidated by making big changes. Instead, take baby steps. Try going for daily walks in nature before buying that expensive gym membership. Eliminate overprocessed foods from your diet and trade that bag of chips in for a handful of berries or a healthy salad. Your body is worth the effort because you only get one.

Does it spark joy? Remember when Marie Kondo was all over the news with her famous quote on what household items should stay in your life? It can be applied to almost anything! Ask yourself which activities bring you the most joy or relaxation and reserve a space in your schedule for them. There’s no better way to fill up your cup than by doing what you love. On the flip side, if you find something is causing unnecessary stress in your life, it might be time to take a step back.

Set the intention. Throughout this post, I keep mentioning “put it in your schedule!” That’s because if you don’t set the intention to self-care, you might never get there. It’s easy to fall back into old habits if you’re not careful. Take some time to review your daily or weekly schedule with a critical eye. Determine where there’s room to fit in some “you” time. Ask yourself if every task is 100% necessary. If it is, can you pair it with something that makes you happy? For example, combine a chore with a fun playlist or your favorite podcast. I personally save one of my favorite YouTube series only for when it’s time to fold laundry, which actually has me looking forward to it now (crazy).

By setting intention and formulating a solid plan, you will be that much more likely to successfully pull off the art of self-care!

What’s your favorite way to self-care? Leave us a comment on our Facebook or LinkedIn and let us know!